Hero of the Sea: Sir Peter Blake's Mighty Ocean Quests

Author(s): David Hill; Phoebe Morris

NZ Non Fiction | NZ Picture Books | Biography & Autobiography

A stunning biographical picture book for young readers about Sir Peter Blake, world-renowned New Zealand yachtsman, adventurer and environmentalist.

'Remember,' he wrote, 'this is the most beautiful world, and it's the only one we've got.'

Sir Peter Blake's life was filled with amazing adventures. During his 30-year career on the ocean, he sailed around the globe, won the world's most famous races and broke records. Even his red socks became a national sensation. But no matter how many trophies Peter won, he always knew the survival of our planet was more important.

This illustrated picture book, by an acclaimed author and illustrator, tells the remarkable story of a true Kiwi hero. It is the fourth book in their bestselling series about famous New Zealanders.

Ruth's Review:


Young Peter Blake grew up on the shores of Waitemata Harbour and was racing sailing boats from the age of 8. When he was a teenager he built a yacht and after leaving school he devoted his life to sailing. He had many adventures crewing and skippering boats in the Whitbread Round the World Races, finally winning in 1989. In 1995 he headed the successful New Zealand challenge for the America's Cup and, to raise money, thousands of pairs of red socks were sold. Even the elephant at Auckland Zoo wore them. Peter's wife Pippa had always given him a pair of socks before every big race and they became his good luck charm.


During his many sailing trips around the world, Peter had been horrified by the pollution and effects of climate change destroying so many natural habitats so he became involved in making documentaries to highlight the problem. But tragedy struck during one Amazon expedition in 2001 and he was killed by pirates who boarded his boat. Peter was only 53 years old, but his legacy lives on with the Sir Peter Blake Trust that helps young people learn about the environment and leadership.


This stunning pictorial biography of a remarkable adventurer and conservationist is the fourth book in a series by Hill and Morris that features true Kiwi heroes, who include Sir Edmund Hillary, Burt Munro and Jean Batten. A timeline details the events and a bonus pair of lucky red socks comes with each book sold. Ideal for ages 5 to 10.

25.00 NZD

Stock: 0


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Product Information

General Fields

  • : 9780143771654
  • : Penguin Group New Zealand, Limited
  • : Puffin
  • : 0.432
  • : September 2018
  • : 1.1 X 24.6
  • : books

Special Fields

  • : David Hill; Phoebe Morris
  • : Hardback
  • : Phoebe Morris
  • : English
  • : 797.124092
  • : 32